Five people have been arrested for “the production of illegal and underground music for singers in Los Angles and satellite networks”, the Iranian police force announced today.
Sadegh Rezadoost, the social deputy of Iranian Security forces, told ISNA that police officers arrested five people on Tuesday. They’re accused of producing “illegal and underground music for singers in Los Angeles” and “in connection with satellite networks.”
He added: “These individuals have been arrested with their instruments and tolls of offense, and have been referred to judicial authorities.”
Yesterday, the head of the agency for the Protection and Maintenance of Cultural and Artistic Work, Saeed Jaberi Ansari, told the Young Reporters Club that the Ministry of Culture and Guidance is committed to “protecting musicians, protecting investment in this sector and identifying illegal studios in Iran.”
He added: “We intend to put an end to the studios that work illegally and produce material, which is sometimes aired on satellite networks.”
Jaberi Ansari also reported that a studio identified by the security police had been active for months. “They had even set up voice and music auditions and produced and distributed a number of works,” he said.
He claimed that the studio’s productions were in conflict with Islamic and Iranian Revolutionary values.
In December, 28 people were reportedly arrested for involvement in dubbing and translation activities connected with Persian-language satellite networks.
In Iran, it is against the law to own satellite dishes or watch satellite programs. Although the authorities regularly raid homes and confiscate satellite dishes, most homes continue to use them.
